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"Do not be surprised," said she; "when you have known the world

as I have, you will cease to wonder at any thing. The nobility,

some more, some less, some one way, some another, have all a

little oddity. We must let them talk, especially when we have

need of them; we must appear to listen to them seriously, as if

they were talking very wisely. Did you not hear how she

interrupted me, as if I had uttered some absurdity? I did not

wonder at it; they are all so. Notwithstanding that, Heaven be

thanked, she seems to have taken a liking to you, and is willing

to protect us; and if we would retain her favour, we must let her

say that which it shall please her to say."